We always remember to check the shelf life of milk while forgetting to go through the lifespans of other common household items like hygienic products. However, they can wreak havoc on your health when expired. Here are 25 of them, and keep scrolling to find out what you should throw away long ago.
1. Eye Contact Cases
People wearing eye contacts might have developed a routine of changing your solution, but chances are you didn't realize that your cases have collected numerous invisible bacteria over time, which may cause eye infection. Replace it for a new one after three-month use at most.
2. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is one of our everyday hygienic items that usually escaped our notice, since people never realize that it even has a lifespan. However, it will become crystalized and ineffective when going bad, which means that you may be subject to oral problems. To keep your breath fresh, remember to use it up in two years.
3. Shampoo And Conditioner
Shampoos or conditioners also have a shelf life span. Normally, it is recommended to use within 18 months. After that, its smell and condition may change. Applying it afterwards may spread bacteria to your scalp.
4. Eye Drops
Eye drops can prevent you from dry eye syndrome, so people tend to keep it handy. But many of them may be unaware that it will be ineffective in 28 days after you break the seal. Do remember to toss it, or it may lead to bacterial infection!
5. Loofahs
Rethink your bath routine if you use a loofah to get clean. The handheld spongy scrubber is easy to clean dirt off your skin as well as to breed germs due to the moist environment. Rinse it after each use and let it dry in the cool place. Then swap it for a new one after 3 to 4 weeks.
6. Mouthwash
Another hygiene product you need to keep an eye on is mouthwash. By and large, it can last 2 to 3 years, but those containing alcohol will dissolve and become ineffective then. Check the expiration date on its packaging and take your time using it before it turns bad!
7. Spices
We often decide to buy all sorts of spices on a whim for a specific recipe while leaving the rest of them untouched in a year. Does it ring a bell with you? The good news is that they have a decent shelf life of about 3 to 4 years. But after that, you'd better dump them in the trash can, or it will result in digestive problems.
8. Disposable Razors
Disposable razors are far more convenient than its electric alternative, especially when you are on business. Nevertheless, they can also be a hotbed for bacteria. Prepare a new one after three shaves to avoid skin rashes and irritation.
9. Vegetable Oil
You've got to be on your toes about the expired vegetable oil, or the dangerous compounds it develops will make you susceptible to neurological disorders, heart disease and even cancer. Vegetable oil usually lasts around six months once you open it, and may get cloudy later. Opt for a smaller bottle if you don't use it regularly.
10. Bleach
Another household product that should ring alarms is bleach. The favored disinfectant is powerful enough within its expiration period, but it will lose its effectiveness in six months after opening it.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide
Speaking of first aid supplies, hydrogen peroxide might be the top five necessities to spring to mind. After you open the bottle, it will turn into water in a couple of months. Even the closed bottle can only be stored for a year.
12. Cords
Cords don't have expiration dates on them, but that doesn't mean they can last forever. Once they get cracked, you'll know there are fire hazards in your home. Have a regular check on them and toss them away if you catch sight of any tiny damage. Better safe than sorry!
13. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is almost a staple around the house. But it cannot be saved from going bad after a while. It gathers bacteria every time you dip your finger in the giant cub. Consider small containers if you don't want to waste them!
14. Dish Detergent
It may surprise you that your dishwasher detergent should be replaced every three months. When the enzymes degrade, your effort to clean your dish will be to no avail.
15. Pillows
Has it ever occurred to you that your old pillow can be extremely gross? In fact, it can be chock full of dead skin cells, hair, and body oil and bring forth dust mites. Don't wink at it if you have asthma and allergies.
16. Feminine Care Products
Another common household item you'd never expect to have an expiration date is feminine hygiene products. Tampons are normally made of cottons, which makes it susceptible to mold and bacteria. Watch out for its storage time every so often.
17. Slippers
Slippers can be the source of fungal infection, considering you wear them for about six months on a daily basis. Don't fret. Wash them properly and change them for a new pair every month will free you from that.
18. Pacifier
No matter how long your baby's latex pacifier is used, replace it with a new one every couple of weeks. It is prone to break over time, and then the ensuing cracks will turn into a magnet for germs.
19. Batteries
Generally, batteries have a lifetime of 10 years. Over time, they will leak acid. One of the best precautions is to keep a fresh stock of batteries handy so that you can replace it in case of emergency.
20. Fire Extinguishers
People have fire extinguishers at home for a rainy day. But the truth is that, once you buy the household item, you just forget about it. Give it an annual check and the gauge a monthly check so as to ensure it keeps functional. Moreover, it's advised to be replaced in 5 to 15 years or so.
21. Canned Food
If not well preserved, canned food can be harmful to your health. So it's better to store your cans in cool and dry places. Besides, remember to check their "best before" dates from time to time, especially that of acidic foods, whose lifespan tends to be shorter.
22. Cosmetics
Both the expired cosmetics and the tools with their leftovers can be the culture dish of bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria can cause skin or eye irritations, outbreaks, and even blindness. Therefore, we should clean these tools periodically, and get rid of expired cosmetics.
23. Medicine
The expired medicine may be less effective or even bad for your health. For example, out-of-date Insulin and liquid antibiotics will be toxic. If you wonder whether you can take medication after "best before" dates, always ask your doctor first.
24. Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 10 years. Otherwise, it won't work overtime. So better to check their manufacturing dates, and replace them if they are expired.
25. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is almost a necessity during the recent pandemic. But do you know all of them are required to have an expiration date on them? Vanessa Thomas, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Freelance Formulations, said that most of them will expire in two to three years after being produced.
Source: buzzfond.com